Course Overview
The BA (Hons) Counselling, Mental Health and Wellbeing degree is designed to offer students the opportunity to learn about a wide range of theories within counselling, mental health and psychological wellbeing, whilst enhancing employability in the field of mental health and wellbeing. Awarding body: Birmingham Newman University Course duration: 4 years Course type: Full-time The course uses a variety of assessments to help develop a range of different skills including essays, portfolios, commentaries, summaries, presentations, case studies, critical evaluations, reflections, digital resources, educative resources, learning statements, reflexive statements, summary statements, exam, quiz, counselling skills practice and recordings and commentaries, research report and proposal, research dissertation, project, literature-based research and poster presentation. Assessments are designed to introduce and develop both academic and practice-related skills. Students can choose from optional research modules in the final year including Dissertation, Literature Review with Systematic Methodology, or Work-Based Research Project.
Course Structure
Foundation Year
Education and Society
Degree Tutor Group 1
Being Human in a Digital World
Degree Tutor Group 2
Year 1 - Level 4
Counselling Professions and Academic Practice
Human Development
Humanistic Counselling
Counselling Skills 1
Ethical and Social Issues in the Counselling Professions
Psychodynamic Counselling
Year 2 - Level 5
Research in Counselling
Mental Health: Well-being and Distress
CBT Counselling Theory and Skills
Counselling Skills 2
Lifestyle and Wellbeing
Year 3 - Level 6
Therapeutic Approaches to Supporting Children and Families
Mindfulness-based Approaches to Wellbeing
Bereavement and Loss
Coaching and Mentoring
Applied CBT
Working with Addictions
Optional Research Modules (Level 6)
Counselling Studies Dissertation
Optional comprehensive research dissertation
Counselling Studies Literature Review with Systematic Methodology and Narrative Synthesis
Optional literature review and systematic research
Negotiated Work-Based Research Project
Optional work-based research project
Learning Outcomes
Apply counselling theories and therapeutic approaches effectively
Understand human development and psychological wellbeing across the lifespan
Develop practical counselling skills for various therapeutic contexts
Apply ethical principles and professional standards in counselling practice
Conduct research and analysis in mental health and wellbeing
Apply cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) techniques in counselling
Support mental health and wellbeing through various therapeutic interventions
Work with diverse populations including children, families, and those with addictions
Apply mindfulness and coaching techniques for wellbeing enhancement
Demonstrate professional practice in mental health and counselling settings
Course Benefits
Foundation Year provides essential counselling and mental health knowledge
Awarded by Birmingham Newman University
Comprehensive coverage of counselling theories and therapeutic approaches
Practical skills development in counselling and mental health support
Wide variety of assessments including practical counselling skills evaluations
Focus on contemporary mental health issues and wellbeing
Development of ethical and professional practice standards
Research skills development for evidence-based counselling practice
Multiple therapeutic approaches: humanistic, psychodynamic, CBT, mindfulness
Preparation for diverse careers in mental health and counselling sectors
Career Opportunities
Mental Health Support Worker
Counselling Assistant
Wellbeing Coordinator
Youth Mental Health Worker
Community Mental Health Worker
Mental Health Advocate
Counselling Support Worker
Mental Health Project Coordinator
Wellbeing Support Specialist
Mental Health Charity Worker
Student Wellbeing Officer
Mental Health Awareness Trainer
Support Group Facilitator
Mental Health Policy Advisor
Progression Routes
- Master's in Counselling Psychology
- Master's in Mental Health Counselling
- Master's in Psychotherapy
- Professional qualifications: BACP accreditation, counselling certifications
- Postgraduate Diploma in Counselling and Mental Health
Admission Requirements
Entry Requirements
- Application based on previous qualifications: Minimum of 90 credits from a Level 3 qualification such as A Levels or BTECs
- Mature learners (aged 21+): Assessment based entry considering prior experiences (work, voluntary, life, and other experiences) relevant to the course
Additional Requirements
- Personal statement (500 words)
- English language test (minimum 60% score, equivalent to IELTS 5.5)
- Maths test (minimum 50% score)
- SAPE assessment (Screening for Accreditation of Prior Experience)
- Interview required - to assess suitability for counselling and mental health
Tuition and Fees
Deposit
Contact institution - Contact FSB for deposit information
Scholarships
Scholarships are available
Scholarships can cover up to Contact institution of the tuition fees.
Accreditation
Birmingham Newman University